BenQ W2720i Review: A Return to the Roots of Home Cinema
After several months exploring ever more connected lifestyle projectors, packed with the latest laser technology and futuristic designs, the desire to return to something more classic is felt. Less gadget, more image. It is in this state of mind that we tested the brand new BenQ W2720i projector , a 4K DLP LED projector that fully embraces its Home Cinema heritage... while offering some welcome touches of modernity.
Here, there's no extravagant chassis or "smart gadget" look: we're back to a sober design, centered on performance. The optics are at the center, the settings are physical, the connectivity is generous, and the image promises to be at the heart of the experience. This W2720i seems to want to speak to purists and those who want to rediscover the feeling of a real dark room session at home.
But what really sets it apart from the laser (and even triple laser) competition is its four-LED system , designed to offer faithful colorimetry , extended longevity and, above all, an image without artifacts , such as the typical "speckle" of lasers. The promise is clear: a return to basics, without sacrificing technology.
So, can this BenQ projector really combine the best of both worlds: traditional home cinema and modern connected features ? That's what we'll analyze in this comprehensive review, image by image, setting by setting.
Table of Contents
The pros and cons
✔ Faithful image with natural colors and good sharpness.
✔ Very quiet , even in normal mode.
✔ Built-in Android TV via dongle, standalone and easy to access.
✔ 4K gaming compatible at 120 Hz , low latency.
✔ Convenient physical adjustments (focus, zoom, lens shift).
✔ Long LED life estimated at 30,000 hours.
✖ Native contrast sometimes a little low in dark scenes.
✖ Dynamic contrast function is disabled in HDR10+.
✖ No laser technology , so brightness is a little lower than some competitors.
Unboxing the BenQ W2720i: Discovering an ingenious design
Before getting into the heart of the matter, it's time to discover this home cinema projector together. The cardboard, once opened, reveals a first box containing the accessories, including the remote control. This one, of a fairly compact format, is backlit, which is an appreciable detail. This is also where we find the Android TV dongle , designed by BenQ in collaboration with Google, as well as two power cables (one for England, one for France).
The projector itself is quite massive . At first glance, you might think the cover is leather, but it's actually a textured plastic, very pleasant to the touch and aesthetically pleasing. One of the first things that catches your eye is the hatch on the top . Opening it reveals not only the adjustment dials, but also the secret location of the Android TV dongle. This is a great surprise, because once the dongle is plugged in and the hatch closed, the projector is connected and all the sockets on the back remain available.
On the top you will find three dials for:
The focus (with a very practical locking system)
Optical zoom
The lens shift , which allows a vertical shift of the image.
These are thoughtful features that make installation much easier.
| Connectivity & Exterior Design – BenQ W2720i | |
|---|---|
| Rear connections | |
| 12V trigger port | Yes, for motorized screen control |
| RS232 port | Yes (professional use/automation) |
| Mini-USB port | Yes (service/maintenance) |
| USB Type-A port | Yes (USB flash drive, external hard drive) |
| Analog audio output | Yes |
| Digital optical output | Yes |
| HDMI ports | 3 (including one compatible with 4K 120 Hz and HDMI ARC) |
| Other USB port | Yes |
| Exterior design | |
| Aesthetic | Classic and refined, centered optics |
| Finishing | Matte white with aluminum gray elements |
| Android TV Access | Dedicated dongle hatch (included) |
At the front, the lens is hidden behind a striking gray plastic cover. It also houses the sensors that allow the projector to analyze the room's brightness and adjust the image accordingly. Underneath the projector, three feet (one at the front, two at the back) allow it to be adjusted or raised. It can also be ceiling-mounted, with a menu setting to invert the image. Finally, on the sides are the speakers and ventilation grilles. We'll see later if the promised silence is achieved.
Unboxing reveals a well-designed and robust product. All that's left is to plug it in to discover its performance.
BenQ W2720i: solid technical specifications for cinema and gaming use
Before we dive into the BenQ W2720i's visual performance, we need to take a moment to examine its specifications. This projector impresses on many levels and shows right out of the box that it was designed to meet a wide range of uses, from high-end home theater to demanding gaming.
This is a classic focal length model, to be placed at the back of the room, on a coffee table or mounted on the ceiling. The W2720i is capable of projecting an Ultra HD image thanks to a Full HD matrix (1080p) which uses interpolation technology to simulate a stunning 4K image to the naked eye. The illusion works perfectly and allows you to enjoy a remarkable level of detail.
It's based on a DLP chip and an LED light source that offers excellent longevity. The lamp can last up to 30,000 hours , or about fifteen years of regular use. This means you'll probably change your projector before you have to worry about this.
| Datasheet – BenQ W2720i | |
|---|---|
| Projection technology | DLP |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) with 4K upscaling |
| Light source | LED (estimated lifespan 30,000 hours) |
| Brightness | 2,500 lumens |
| Native contrast | 1 000:1 |
| HDR compatibility | HDR10 and HLG |
| Keystone correction | Automatic + manual vertical adjustment |
| Optical zoom | Physical wheel on top |
| Sound level | 26 dB (eco mode), 28 dB (normal mode) |
| Connectivity | |
| HDMI ports | 3 |
| USB ports | 2 |
| Analog audio output | 1 |
| Digital optical output | 1 |
| Audio & Connectivity | |
| Integrated audio | 10W stereo speakers |
| Wireless connectivity | Two-way Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Android TV | Via supplied dongle (integrated into a dedicated hatch) |
A very interesting feature is the Android TV dongle included in the box. It fits directly into a dedicated hatch, without occupying an HDMI or USB port. Once installed, it provides access to the entire Android TV platform, including streaming apps, a voice assistant, and Chromecast compatibility. The icing on the cake: you can upgrade it to a newer version at any time without changing your projector.
On the wireless side, two-way Bluetooth is a real plus. You can both stream content to the projector from a smartphone, and send audio to a soundbar or external Bluetooth speaker to enjoy a much richer audio experience than the built-in speakers.
Finally, the BenQ W2720i features brightness sensors that automatically adjust image brightness based on ambient lighting. It also detects your screen's dimensions and adjusts image size, including keystone corrections, to ensure a perfectly framed, undistorted projection.
Built-in Android TV: a truly connected experience
Before even starting my tests, I took the time to install the small Android TV box that comes with the BenQ W2720i projector. Simply place it in the dedicated hatch on the back of the device, a well-thought-out integration that maintains a sleek design. Once the box is in place, nothing protrudes. Everything remains perfectly integrated into the chassis, as if the projector had been designed with native connectivity from the start.
This module literally transforms the experience. In just a few seconds, the projector becomes a completely autonomous device, capable of streaming your favorite content without the need for an external source. It provides direct access to the Android TV universe with all its apps: YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and many more. The interface is fluid, responsive, and perfectly suited to navigation via the included remote control.
What's impressive is that once the box is in place, you completely forget it's an add-on. The whole thing works as a coherent whole, without any overlays or limitations. The BenQ W2720i thus becomes a 100% connected projector, ready to replace a smart TV in a living room or dedicated room.
This modularity further enhances the W2720i's versatility. Whether you're a streaming, home theater, or gaming enthusiast, everything is designed to deliver a seamless, comprehensive experience right out of the box.
Simple and smart setup from the first start
Upon turning on the BenQ W2720i, you're greeted by a clear and intuitive setup interface. The projector guides you step by step to optimize its installation, starting with one essential question: how did you install the device? Whether placed on a coffee table, mounted on the ceiling, or positioned upside down for inverted projection, the system automatically adjusts the image orientation according to your choice.
The next step is image optimization. The projector automatically detects the presence of a projection screen and offers adjustments to improve the display quality. This opens the keystone correction settings, ideal for correcting a distorted image if the projector isn't perfectly centered in front of the screen. These adjustments are easy to make, even for a beginner.
Once the image is calibrated, comes the connectivity part. The BenQ W2720i invites you to connect the included Android box. You have two options: quick pairing via an Android smartphone, which allows setup to be completed in a few minutes, or a more traditional manual configuration. Whichever method you choose, the process remains seamless and accessible.
In short, getting started with the W2720i is fast, customizable, and intelligently guided. BenQ has clearly thought of its users, delivering a setup experience that's both efficient and user-friendly.
First Impressions: The BenQ W2720i, a Projector That Wows
This is where it really starts to impress. It's true that you only get one chance to make a good first impression, and the BenQ W2720i delivers. From the first moment I turned it on, without even making any adjustments, I was captivated. This is probably the first time I've had such a reaction to a projector.
I immediately noticed the perfect colorimetry . The factory settings are simply impeccable. And even though there is access to many settings for the most demanding, I didn't need to touch them. One point that I found quite crazy: in the box, there was an envelope containing the calibration report of my device. Before being packaged, each video projector is tested and calibrated one by one. This attention to detail is quite crazy.
This projector complies with the DCI-P3 , the digital cinema standard. This means exceptional color fidelity, resulting in extremely natural skin tones and a magnificent overall look. This is something I've rarely seen on a home theater projector.
I was also blown away by the sharpness of the image , which is remarkably precise. 4K content is sublime, whether it's films or concerts. Moreover, the sound integrated into the speakers is rather good and clearly makes you want to let yourself be carried away by the music. I also noticed impeccable fluidity on all the content I watched, whether via Android TV or my Apple TV, including YouTube videos at 60 frames per second.
And for gaming? Total immersion tailored for the PS5
After exploring the BenQ W2720i's cinematic performance, I decided to take it up a notch by testing its gaming capabilities. So I connected my PlayStation 5, launched a few recent titles, and what a visual slap. The experience is fluid, responsive, and visually stunning.
Colors are vibrant, true-to-life, and deep, even in the most action-packed scenes. HDR10 compatibility and the extended DCI-P3 color space deliver the same high-resolution OLED panels. All with stunning contrast and crisp image detail that captures every detail. Activating gaming mode in 1080p at 120Hz delivers superb fluidity. It's ideal for demanding games like Spider-Man 2 , Returnal , or Call of Duty .
This projector doesn't just display the game; it transforms it into a truly immersive experience. The feeling of being immersed in the game world, with a gigantic image and minimal latency, is a game changer. It really feels like you're playing on a competitive screen, in your living room.
This is, without exaggeration, the icing on the cake. The BenQ W2720i already excels in home theater, but also reveals another, equally impressive facet for gaming. A rare versatility that will delight movie buffs and video game enthusiasts alike. If you're looking for a projector that can do it all, this model clearly deserves a place of choice in your setup.
A contrast that could be improved, but is controlled
After a full week of intensive testing in different configurations: day, night, dark room, bright room, only one small reservation caught our attention: the contrast . Let's be clear, this is in no way a fatal flaw, as the image delivered by the BenQ W2720i is generally of exceptional quality , rich in details, nuances and color accuracy.
However, in certain dark scenes, particularly low-light or high-contrast passages (science fiction films, night-time thrillers, etc.), we sometimes notice a slight lack of "punch" or depth in the blacks. This phenomenon is inherent to DLP technology, which despite its many advantages (precision, fluidity, compactness), sometimes struggles to compete with LCD or LCoS matrix projectors in terms of native contrast.
A smart answer: dynamic contrast
To address this limitation, BenQ had the good idea of integrating a dynamic contrast function . Once activated, this option adjusts the brightness of scenes in real time, reinforcing the feeling of depth without betraying the colors. The rendering immediately gains in relief, without falling into the trap of blocked blacks or burnt whites. A discreet but effective improvement, which shows the attention paid by the brand to the overall balance of the image.
But be careful, this function, as welcome as it is, is not always available.
HDR10+: an external constraint
When playing content in HDR10+ (such as some 4K Blu-rays or streaming on Amazon Prime Video, for example), the contrast enhancement options are simply disabled. This isn't a limitation of the W2720i, but rather a restriction imposed by the HDR10+ standard itself , which requires fixed image processing to preserve the original artistic intent. In short: in these cases, it's impossible to dynamically adjust contrast.
Despite this, it's clear that the image remains very sharp, and dark scenes remain perfectly legible. The projector's HDR processing is powerful enough that this lack of manual adjustment is not annoying.
A very relative downside
Ultimately, this minor drawback regarding contrast is the only real reservation we could express about this high-end video projector. And even then, this is more a comparison with much more expensive projectors than a real lack in the user experience.
It's all the more remarkable that the BenQ W2720i ushers in a new, "back-to-basics" approach to the brand's home theater lineup. While this model lays the foundation, one can only imagine the quality that higher-end versions could offer. One thing's for sure: BenQ isn't done yet.
My opinion after a week of using the BenQ W2720i
After a week of testing, I can say without hesitation: the BenQ W2720i is a very nice surprise .
From the first use, we notice that the image is superb. The colors are accurate, well balanced, and the details are really precise. We immediately feel that we are on a product designed for Home Cinema , with a very immersive visual rendering.
A very quiet video projector
Another thing that really impressed me was the quietness of operation . The projector was placed about 60 cm from the camera, and the camera's microphone recorded the audio. As a result, you can hardly hear anything .
Even in normal mode, it remains extremely discreet . This is a real plus, especially if you install it in a living room or a small room where noise can quickly become annoying.
Built-in Android TV: simplicity at the rendezvous
The W2720i comes with Android TV built-in (via a supplied dongle), so you can use it without any external source : no need for a Blu-ray player or TV box.
Simply connect it to Wi-Fi and you'll have instant access to your favorite streaming platforms. Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video ... it's all there, ready to use. It's smooth, fast, and very easy to set up.
A very interesting price-quality ratio
Priced at around 2000 euros , this video projector offers performance worthy of much more expensive models. Whether for a dedicated room or a classic living room , it adapts perfectly.
And if you have a higher budget, BenQ offers other brighter models, which will allow you to, for example, obtain a larger image or project in slightly brighter rooms.
A real treat for home cinema
BenQ says that with a 2.70 meter distance , you can get a 120-inch . And honestly, the result is spectacular.
The sharpness, the depth of colors and the fluidity really make you want to rediscover your favorite films in the best conditions. Whether at home on the sofa or here in the studio in our armchairs, the pleasure of cinema is total .
Conclusion
For me, the BenQ W2720i is a favorite . It combines silence, image quality, ease of use and a real attention paid to user comfort. If you are looking for a high-end but affordable home cinema projector, this is a safe bet .
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